Middleweight twins are among the most popular used bikes. Here's why I think that is...

No group of bikes like to party more than the middleweight class, a segment that is dominated by twins. And not just parallel twins, there are a few V-twins thrown into the mix to spice things up a bit.

And as so many middleweights are sold in the UK every year, that means that the used market is full to the rafters with a great, and very tempting, selection for sale that suits any wallet. But which one is the pick?

Related: Best kit for riding naked motorbikes

They all offer something a bit different. From the stylish Monster to the fun-loving MT-07, charming SV650, sporty-looking Ninja 650 and classy F800R, each has their own unique charm.

Read on for our expert guide to mini-twin middleweights!

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MCN Recommended: 2016-2023 Suzuki SV650S – £3899-£6000

Suzuki’s V-twin stalwart has something for everyone

Spec:

• Power 75bhp
• Engine capacity 645cc
• Seat height 785mm
• Kerb weight 195kg

When Suzuki released what is likely to be the final incarnation of the SV650 in 2016, their popular middleweight naked had sold a staggering 410,000 units since 1999. The SV’s V-twin engine is charming with lots of poke and excellent reliability while the chassis is highly userfriendly. Undeniably now a bit long in the tooth and low-tech, the SV is still a great first big-bike or bargain middleweight. And if you want a bit of retro-style, there is always the café racer X model.

Suzuki SV650S used buying advice

● The SV has always suffered from electrical issues due to the placement of the front cylinder. Always check here for signs of corrosion and fit a fender extender to help keep the grime at bay.
● ABS was an extra on early SV650s but standard fitment on later models. Check the spec of the bike if you want this safety assist.
● The SV’s exhaust can rust and crack its welds where it meets the lower chamber, which is annoying but not a huge drama. The main issue is getting the old system off as the front cylinder’s nuts like to rust to the studs.

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2017-2020 Kawasaki Ninja 650 – £4499-£6999

A fun-loving mini-Ninja with easy road manners

Spec:

• Power 67bhp
• Engine capacity 649cc
• Seat height 790mm
• Kerb weight 193kg

In 2017 the Kawasaki Ninja 650 gained a new chassis, sharper styling, ABS and even a three-stage adjustable screen. The 650 has enough performance and handling to satisfy while never feeling at all compromised. Comfortable and with a gutsy parallel twin, it is best viewed as a mini sports tourer (you can get official Kawasaki soft panniers for it).

Kawasaki Ninja 650 used buying advice

● The two-piston sliding calipers can get a bit sticky on their sliders if left uncleaned, especially after riding through winter. A rebuild kit costs about £30 per side.
● The Ninja needs its valveclearances checked at 15,000 miles, which is a bill of about £500. Check it has been completed if the bike has passed this point.
● The Ninja’s screen can be set into one of three positions through removing some hex bolts. Just check they aren’t seized in place.

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2009-2019 BMW F800R – £2999-£6499

Overlooked naked middleweight has stacks to offer

Spec:

• Power 88.7bhp
• Engine capacity 798cc
• Seat height 790mm
• Kerb weight 202kg

A classy and quite sophisticated bike, the BMW F800R has always offered a far better array of optional extras than any of its rivals and while its parallel twin is a touch lacklustre and forgettable, it is very fuel-efficient and reliable. If you want a naked bike that doesn’t feel like a slightly budget option, try the F800R out for size – you may well find it to your liking.

BMW F800R used buying advice

● The immobiliser antenna ring can fail, leading to the bike refusing to start. Stop and start it a few times to ensure all is well.
● Check the switchgear, it is known to fail due to water ingress. Ensure all the functions are working.
● If the machine has the optional ESA shock fitted, always check it is working by running through the modes during a test ride. Technically the shock can’t be rebuilt and is a costly part if you are forced to replace it with new.

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2014-2018 Yamaha MT-07 – £3500-£5500

The bike that made parallel-twins fashionable again

Spec:

• Power 73.8bhp
• Engine capacity 698cc
• Seat height 805mm
• Kerb weight 179kg

Powered by a beautifully responsive and fun parallel-twin engine (the CP2), the Yamaha MT-07 has always been a bit too softly sprung but it’s only a minor annoyance. Wonderfully easy-going and a joy to ride, the big-selling Yamaha is one of those bikes that just gets under your skin and is a brilliant used buy. And as there are so many out there, you can afford to be a bit picky.

Yamaha MT-07 used buying advice

● Go for a good early model, a quality aftermarket shock and a fork re-valve by an expert as the suspension just isn’t up to much.
● The exhaust is a single piece, so if it has holed you need to replace the lot. Give it a close inspection, especially around the welds.
● The finish on the MT-07 can leave a bit to be desired. Fasteners corrode badly and the OE chain and sprockets are quite low quality. Always check carefully for corrosion.

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2014-2020 Ducati Monster 821 – £4500-£9000

Ducati’s water-cooled middleweight Monster

Spec:

• Power 112bhp
• Engine capacity 821cc
• Seat height 785-810mm
• Kerb weight 205kg

The Ducati Monster 821 is a very sporty middleweight and comes with a stack of tech as standard including ABS, traction control and variable power modes. A fun bike to ride, the 821 isn’t as easy-going as the air-cooled Monsters models but it is much better performing in terms of both its motor and chassis. If you are tempted to try a Ducati, the 821 is a good starting point.

Ducati Monster 821 used buying advice

● The expensive valve-clearance ‘desmo service’ is every 18,000 miles on the Monster, which is worth knowing as it costs around £700. Cambelts require changing every five years, so always check when this was last done.
● A few owners give the Monster a bit more punch by fitting a one tooth lower front sprocket.
● Only the updated 2018-onwards bike has the option of a quickshifter, so avoid any early bikes with an aftermarket unit fitted.